This summer, twelve college students—one from Northern Kentucky—are working as interns at the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA), supporting Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell and KDA staff in meeting the agricultural needs of people throughout the state.
According to Shell, KDA’s internship program gives college students the chance to collaborate with our staff and the agricultural community, providing a unique experience. By giving those who wish to pursue jobs in agriculture a significant edge, this mentorship program can aid in the beginning of careers in ag-related fields.
Through pre-professional employment in a variety of occupational disciplines, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s summer internship program has given students the chance to obtain first-hand experience, knowledge, and comprehension of the governmental process. KDA provides majors that are both directly and indirectly related to agriculture to students. Current and past interns have pursued careers in pre-law, marketing, public relations, computer science, education, agriculture, and more.
In order to obtain insight into the many initiatives of the departments that comprise KDA, KDA interns collaborate with KDA employees. This enables them to contemplate a future career with KDA and in the agriculture industry.
The interns this year have gone to conferences, proclamations, cattle exhibits, and department staff interviews. Interns have also collaborated closely with staff members to create social media campaigns, assist in educating the public about farm safety, and support the junior chef and senior s market initiatives.
The interns for this year are:
Lexington resident Abigail Barrett is a student at the University of Kentucky.Taylor Bishop, a Morehead State University student from Springfield and GreensburgMount Washington resident Shelby Butler is a student at the University of Kentucky.Emily Chunglo, a student at Western Kentucky University in HarrodsburgCampbellsville resident Rachel Cowherd is a student at the University of Kentucky.Versailles resident Callie Hudson is a University of Tennessee student.Dylan Foster, a student at Morehead State University in FlorenceMurray, Murray State University student Sayde LoweDavis Miller, a Wofford College student from LexingtonWilliamsburg resident Leslie Monhollen is a University of Kentucky student.Brandenburg resident Mary Brooke Stith is a Murray State University student.Garfield’s Emily Tabor, a student at Western Kentucky University
Department of Agriculture in Kentucky